Baltimore, Maryland – New legislation proposed by the Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture and the Environment, would streamline food licensing for farms, allowing expanded on-farm food service operations year-round while maintaining public health standards and supporting the state’s agricultural economy.
The bill, announced in early 2026, builds directly on Governor Wes Moore’s 2025 Executive Order aimed at promoting Maryland’s agricultural sector, expanding economic opportunities for farmers, and enhancing the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture. That commission focuses on improving economic viability, growth, and profitability through greater interagency collaboration and business-friendly practices.
Under current rules, farms face limitations when offering food service. They must obtain either a 30-day temporary license tied to specific events or an on-farm retail food service license capped at a maximum of 90 days, often requiring multiple applications throughout the year. The proposed legislation replaces these with a renewable one-year food service license, eliminating repeated applications and providing predictability for farms that wish to offer food service across multiple seasons.
The measure also establishes a regulatory framework tailored to on-farm operations, addressing scalability for farms of varying sizes. New regulations, developed in consultation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, would cover requirements such as running water and wastewater management, outdoor cooking and food preparation, use of on-farm structures, and other farm-specific considerations. These rules would factor in farm size, food service plans, and operational needs to enable appropriate food offerings without one-size-fits-all restrictions.
The bill further supports agritourism by expanding options for temporary restroom facilities at on-farm food service sites, allowing a broader range of restroom types to accommodate visitors.
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani emphasized the dual focus on growth and safety. “Maryland’s farmers are the backbone of our communities and economy and provide incredible value to our state,” she said. “This bill supports our robust agricultural sector, gives it additional tools to flex and grow from season to season, and maintains important public health protections to keep our communities healthy.”
Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks highlighted the need for clear pathways to expansion. “As Maryland farmers continue to innovate and evolve their agribusinesses to welcome the public onto the farm to enjoy the best of what Maryland has to offer, it is critical that they have a clear path to grow their operations,” he said. “Through interagency collaboration on the Governor’s Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture (GICA), Maryland state agencies are taking the necessary steps to support a competitive agricultural business marketplace and prioritize scalability for business growth.”
Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain connected the proposal to environmental and community benefits. “Agritourism opens the door for more Marylanders to experience our working lands firsthand,” she said. “The more the public connects with our local farms, the deeper their appreciation grows for clean land, air, and water. This legislation encourages sustainable growth and fosters a shared commitment to protecting the natural resources we deeply cherish.”
To ensure a smooth rollout, the current on-farm licensing structure remains in place until the bill’s effective date of January 2027. This transition period allows time for developing detailed regulations through a transparent process that includes stakeholder input, public meetings, and engagement with local governments, community partners, and the business community statewide.
The proposed changes aim to boost agritourism and on-farm revenue in Southern Maryland counties such as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s, where farms increasingly incorporate direct-to-consumer sales, events, and food service to diversify income and connect with residents and visitors. By reducing administrative burdens and providing scalable standards, the legislation seeks to strengthen farm viability while preserving food safety and environmental protections.